Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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COMPOSITIONS HAVING ANTI-FUGETACTIC PROPERTIES FOR
TREATMENT OF CANCER
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S.
Provisional
Application No. 62/220,928, filed September 18, 2015, which is incorporated
herein by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Cell movement in response to specific stimuli is observed in
prokaryotes and
eukaryotes. Cell movement in these organisms has been classified into three
types:
chemotaxis, or the movement of cells along a gradient towards an increasing
concentration of
a chemical; negative chemotaxis, which has been defined as the movement down a
gradient
of a chemical stimulus; and chemokinesis, or the increased random movement of
cells
induced by a chemical agent.
[0003] Chemotaxis and chemokinesis occur in mammalian cells in response to a
class of
proteins, called chemokines. Additionally, chemorepellent, or fugetactic,
activity has been
observed in mammalian cells. For example, some tumor cells secrete
concentrations of
chemokines that are sufficient to repel immune cells from the site of a tumor,
thereby
reducing the immune system's ability to target and eradicate the tumor.
Metastasizing cancer
cells may use a similar mechanism to evade the immune system. Repulsion of
immune cells,
such as tumor antigen-specific T-cells, e.g. from a tumor expressing high
levels of CXCL12
or interleukin 8 (IL-8), allows the tumor cells to evade immune control.
[0004] CXCR4 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CXCR4 gene. CXCR4
is
expressed by multiple normal cells as well as on tumors. CXCR4 is an alpha-
chemokine
receptor specific for stromal-derived-factor-1 (SDF-1, also known as CXCL12),
a molecule
endowed with potent chemotactic activity for lymphocytes. As many as 85% of
solid tumors
and leukemias express CXCL12 at a level sufficient to have fugetactic effects,
e.g. repulsion
of immune cells from the tumor. Cancers that frequently express CXCL12 at such
levels
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include, but are not limited to, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer,
pancreatic cancer,
ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, and leukemia.
[0005] Anti-fugetactic agents inhibit the fugetactic activity of tumor cells
and allow the
patient's immune system to target the tumor. Anti-fugetactic agents and the
systemic
delivery of anti-fugetactic agents are known in the art (see, for example,
U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2008/0300165, incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety).
However, the delivery of anti-fugetactic agents as heretofore described will
likely result in a
portion of the anti-fugetactic agent binding to the CXCR4 receptors on a tumor
or other site
thus making the effective concentration of the anti-fugetactic agent that
binds to immune
cells unpredictable.
[0006] Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer among men in
the United
States and is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men. Localized
prostate
cancer may be cured with surgery or radiation therapy, but the disease recurs
in
approximately to 30% of patients. Sipuleucel-T (commercially available as
PROVENGEO
suspension for intravenous infusion) is an active cellular immunotherapy
consisting of
modified autologous peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including
antigen-
presenting cells (APCs), that have been activated ex vivo with a recombinant
fusion protein
(PA2024). PA2024 consists of a prostate antigen, prostatic acid phosphatase
(PAP), that is
linked to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), an immune-
cell
activator. During ex vivo culture with PAP-GM-CSF, the APCs take up and
process the
recombinant target antigen into small peptides that are then displayed on the
APC surface.
Following administration to the patient, the modified cells trigger the immune
system to
produce T-cells that kill any cell having the PAP, namely, prostate cancer
cells.
[0007] Accordingly, there remains a need for methods and compositions that
target tumors
and cancers, particularly prostate cancer, to efficiently kill tumors and/or
metastasizing
cancer cells.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It has now been surprisingly discovered that the anti-fugetactic
properties imparted
by at least some anti-fugetactic agents, such as AMD3100, resides in binding
thereof to cell
surface receptors, e.g. CXCR4, on the T-cell. Surprisingly, the anti-
fugetactic property of
these anti-fugetactic agents has been found to be concentration dependent. In
particular, it
has been discovered that when an immune cell encounters too high a
concentration of an anti-
fugetactic agent, the anti-fugetactic effect is lost. The immune cell is thus
prevented from
effectively penetrating a tumor or homing in on a metastasizing cancer cell.
[0009] While not being bound by theory, knowing that the CXCR4 receptors have
multiple
sites in the human body as well as on tumors, and also knowing that the PBMC
population in
the human body approaches or exceeds one trillion cells, the T-cells that are
activated
following delivery of Sipuleucel-T are less efficient to effectively eradicate
tumors and/or
cancer cells in a patient without the presence of an anti-fugetactic agent as
described herein.
[0010] Based at least in part on the discoveries set forth above, it has been
found that the
binding of an anti-fugetactic agent to PBMCs, particularly T-cells, or any
other immune cells
having CXCR4 receptors, ex vivo, provides an improved ability to control the
amount of
association of the anti-fugetactic agent with the PBMCs (e.g. via CXCR4 or
other cell surface
receptor that binds the fugetactic agent) to provide a modified PBMC
population that, overall,
retains the desired anti-fugetactic properties when administered to the
patient. That is, the
modified PBMC population is able to overcome the fugetactic effect of a tumor
or cancer cell
in order to effectively target the tumor or cell.
[0011] According to the present invention, such modified PBMC populations can
be
administered via any suitable method. In some embodiments, the modified PBMCs
are
administered locally to, or adjacent to, a tumor or site(s) or cancer cells.
Alternatively, the
modified PBMC population may be administered systemically, e.g., by
intravenous infusion.
[0012] Treatment of the patient with unbound anti-fugetactic agent prior to or
concurrently
with administration of the modified PBMCs provides further improvements in
anti-fugetactic
response and tumor targeting of the PBMCs. In particular, it is contemplated
that the
treatment with unbound anti-fugetactic agent will result in less competition
for the anti-
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fugetactic agent bound to CXCR4 on the infused immune cells. That is, at least
a subset of
endogenous CXCR4 receptors encountered by the infused cells will be occupied
by the anti-
fugetactic agent and thus will not be available to compete away anti-
fugetactic agent
associated with the infused cells.
[0013] Similarly, unbound anti-fugetactic agent can be administered via any
suitable
method, including locally or systemically.
[0014] In one embodiment, the invention relates to an ex vivo immune cell
composition
comprising immune cells (such as PBMCs, T-cells, etc) that are responsive to a
tumor
antigen, and an anti-fugetactic agent, wherein said modified immune cell
composition has
anti-fugetactic properties for the effective and efficient treatment of tumors
or cancers in a
patient. Preferably, the immune cells are autologous (derived from the patient
to be treated).
[0015] Suitable anti-fugetactic agents include AMD3100 (mozobil/plerixafor) or
derivative
thereof, KRH-1636, T-20, T-22, T-140, TE-14011, T-14012, TN14003, TAK-779,
AK602,
SCH-351125, Tannic acid, NSC 651016, thalidomide, GF 109230X, an antibody that
interferes with dimerization of a fugetactic chemokine, or an antibody that
interferes with
dimerization of a receptor for a fugetactic chemokine. In a preferred
embodiment, the anti-
fugetactic agent is AMD3100.
[0016] In some embodiments, the anti-fugetactic agent is associated with one
or more
receptors on the immune cell surface. In one embodiment,
[0017] In some embodiments, the cell population or composition includes anti-
fugetactic
agent that is not associated with the cells.
[0018] In one embodiment, the immune cells are PBMCs. In preferred
embodiments, the
cancer is prostate cancer.
[0019] In related embodiments the immune cells from a patient that are
responsive to a
tumor antigen are obtained from the patient after treatment with a vaccine or
antigen
presenting cell that induces an immune response against the tumor antigen,
such as
Sipuleucel-T.
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[0020] In preferred embodiments, the immune cells are induced to be responsive
to a tumor
antigen by ex vivo incubation with a fusion protein. In some embodiments, the
fusion protein
comprises a tumor antigen portion and an immune signaling factor portion. The
tumor
antigen portion may comprise any tumor antigen or portion thereof, e.g.
prostatic acid
phosphatase (PAP). The immune signaling factor portion may be any protein or
portion
thereof that activates or facilitates maturation of APCs, e.g. GM-CSF.
[0021] In an especially preferred embodiment, the fusion protein is PA2024
(Sipuleucel-T,
trade name PROVENGErm). PA2024 is described in more detail in U.S. Patent No.
6,210,662, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0022] In some embodiments, the patient is administered an anti-cancer vaccine
to promote
an immune response prior to removal of PBMCs from the patient.
[0023] Related embodiments include a pharmaceutical composition comprising an
effective
amount of a modified immune cell composition and one or more pharmaceutically
acceptable
excipients.
[0024] In further embodiments, the invention is a method of treating cancer in
a patient
who has been immunized against a cancer antigen, comprising administration of
an effective
amount of an anti-fugetactic agent to the patient. The anti-fugetactic agent
may be delivered
directly to the tumor, or systemic. In related embodiments, the invention
includes the method
of first immunizing the patient, and then overcoming the fugetactic properties
of the cancer.
[0025] The invention is also a method of treating cancer in a patient who has
been
immunized against a cancer antigen, comprising administration of cell
composition or a
pharmaceutical composition as elsewhere herein.
[0026] Tumor antigens are known in the art. For example, and without
limitation, tumor
antigens contemplated herein include PAP, alphafetoprotein (AFP),
Carcinoembryonic
antigen (CEA), CA-125, MUC-1, Epithelial tumor antigen (ETA), Tyrosinase,
Melanoma-
associated antigen (MAGE), abnormal products of ras, p53, a-folate receptor,
CAIX, CD19,
CD20, CD30, CD33, EGP-2, erb-B2, erb-B 2,3,4, FBP, GD2, GD3, Her2/neu, IL-13R-
a2, k-
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light chain, LeY, MAGE-AL Mesothelin, and PSMA. See, e.g. Scott et al., Cancer
Immunity
2012, 12:14, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0027] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for treating tumors
or cancers,
particularly prostate cancer, by the systemic administration of a modified
PBMC composition
according to the present invention to a patient in need thereof
[0028] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for treating tumors
or cancers,
particularly prostate cancer, by the local administration of a modified PBMC
composition
according to the present invention to (e.g., directly to or into), or adjacent
to, a tumor or
site(s) or cancer cells in a patient in need thereof
[0029] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for treating tumors
or cancers
by the systemic administration of a modified PBMC composition according to the
present
invention to a patient in need thereof
[0030] In one embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent is AMD3100
(mozobil/plerixafor;
chemical name 1,1'41,4-phenylenebis(methylene)lbis [1,4,8,11-
tetraazacyclotetradecane1),
KRH-1636, T-20, T-22, T-140, TE-14011, T-14012, TN14003, TAK-779, AK602, SCH-
351125, Tannic acid, NSC 651016, thalidomide, GF 109230X, an antibody that
interferes
with dimerization of a fugetactic chemokine, or an antibody that interferes
with dimerization
of the receptor for a fugetactic chemokine.
[0031] In one embodiment, the tumor is a solid tumor. In one embodiment, the
tumor is a
non-solid tumor. In one embodiment, the tumor is a leukemia.
[0032] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method of treating cancer
in a patient
in need thereof, comprising: a) providing immune cells derived from the
patient; b)
incubating the immune cells with a fusion protein comprising a tumor antigen
portion and an
immune signaling factor portion for a period of time sufficient for the immune
cells to
become responsive to the tumor antigen; c) contacting the immune cells with an
anti-
fugetactic agent; and d) administering the immune cells to the patient.
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[0033] One embodiment of the invention relates to a method for making an
immune cell
composition, the method comprising: a) providing an immune cell composition;
b) incubating
the immune cells with a fusion protein comprising a tumor antigen portion and
an immune
signaling factor portion for a period of time sufficient for the immune cells
to become
responsive to the tumor antigen; and c) contacting the immune cells with an
anti-fugetactic
agent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0034] FIGURE 1 represents the bimodal chemotactic effect of increasing
amounts of
AMD3100 on human T cells.
[0035] FIGURE 2 represents the bimodal fugetactic effect of increasing amounts
of
AMD3100 on human T cells.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] After reading this description, it will become apparent to one skilled
in the art how
to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative
applications.
However, not all embodiments of the present invention are described herein. It
will be
understood that the embodiments presented here are presented by way of an
example only,
and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative
embodiments
should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention
as set forth
below.
[0037] Before the present invention is disclosed and described, it is to be
understood that
the aspects described below are not limited to specific compositions, methods
of preparing
such compositions, or uses thereof as such may, of course, vary. It is also to
be understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
aspects only and is
not intended to be limiting.
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Definitions
[0038] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which this
invention belongs.
[0039] In this specification and in the claims that follow, reference will be
made to a
number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings:
[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used
herein, the
singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as
well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0041] All numerical designations, e.g., pH, temperature, time, concentration,
amounts, and
molecular weight, including ranges, are approximations which are varied (+) or
(-) by 10%,
1%, or 0.1%, as appropriate. It is to be understood, although not always
explicitly stated, that
all numerical designations may be preceded by the term "about." It is also to
be understood,
although not always explicitly stated, that the reagents described herein are
merely examples
and that equivalents of such are known in the art.
[0042] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event
or
circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances
where the event
or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
[0043] The term "comprising" or "comprises" is intended to mean that the
compositions
and methods include the recited elements, but not excluding others.
"Consisting essentially
of' when used to define compositions and methods, shall mean excluding other
elements of
any essential significance to the combination. For example, a composition
consisting
essentially of the elements as defined herein would not exclude other elements
that do not
materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed
invention. "Consisting
of' shall mean excluding more than trace amount of other ingredients and
substantial method
steps recited. Embodiments defined by each of these transition terms are
within the scope of
this invention.
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[0044] The terms "patient," "subject," "individual," and the like are used
interchangeably
herein, and refer to any animal, or cells thereof whether in vitro or in situ,
amenable to the
methods described herein. In a preferred embodiment, the patient, subject, or
individual is a
mammal. In some embodiments, the mammal is a mouse, a rat, a guinea pig, a non-
human
primate, a dog, a cat, or a domesticated animal (e.g. horse, cow, pig, goat,
sheep). In
especially preferred embodiments, the patient, subject or individual is a
human.
[0045] The term "treating" or "treatment" covers the treatment of a disease or
disorder
described herein, in a subject, such as a human, and includes: (i) inhibiting
a disease or
disorder, i.e., arresting its development; (ii) relieving a disease or
disorder, i.e., causing
regression of the disorder; (iii) slowing progression of the disorder; and/or
(iv) inhibiting,
relieving, or slowing progression of one or more symptoms of the disease or
disorder. For
example, treatment of a cancer or tumor includes, but is not limited to,
reduction in size of the
tumor, elimination of the tumor and/or metastases thereof, remission of the
cancer, inhibition
of metastasis of the tumor, reduction or elimination of at least one symptom
of the cancer,
and the like.
[0046] The term "administering" or "administration" of an agent, drug, or a
natural killer
cell to a subject includes any route of introducing or delivering to a subject
a compound to
perform its intended function. Administration can be carried out by any
suitable route,
including orally, intranasally, parenterally (intravenously, intramuscularly,
intraperitoneally,
or subcutaneously), or topically. Administration includes self-administration
and the
administration by another.
[0047] It is also to be appreciated that the various modes of treatment or
prevention of
medical diseases and conditions as described are intended to mean
"substantial," which
includes total but also less than total treatment or prevention, and wherein
some biologically
or medically relevant result is achieved.
[0048] The term "separate" administration refers to an administration of at
least two active
ingredients at the same time or substantially the same time by different
routes.
[0049] The term "sequential" administration refers to administration of at
least two active
ingredients at different times, the administration route being identical or
different. More
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particularly, sequential use refers to the whole administration of one of the
active ingredients
before administration of the other or others commences. It is thus possible to
administer one
of the active ingredients over several minutes, hours, or days before
administering the other
active ingredient or ingredients. There is no simultaneous treatment in this
case.
[0050] The term "simultaneous" therapeutic use refers to the administration of
at least two
active ingredients by the same route and at the same time or at substantially
the same time.
[0051] The term "therapeutic" as used herein means a treatment and/or
prophylaxis. A
therapeutic effect is obtained by suppression, remission, or eradication of a
disease state.
[0052] The term "therapeutically effective amount" or "effective amount"
refers to an
amount of the agent that, when administered, is sufficient to cause the
desired effect. For
example, an effective amount of an anti-fugetactic agent may be an amount
sufficient to have
an anti-fugetactic effect on a cancer cell or tumor (e.g. to attenuate a
fugetactic effect from
the tumor or cancer cell). The therapeutically effective amount of the agent
will vary
depending on the tumor being treated and its severity as well as the age,
weight, etc., of the
patient to be treated. The skilled artisan will be able to determine
appropriate dosages
depending on these and other factors. The compositions can also be
administered in
combination with one or more additional therapeutic compounds. In the methods
described
herein, the therapeutic compounds may be administered to a subject having one
or more signs
or symptoms of a disease or disorder.
[0053] The term "immunize" as used herein refers to strengthening a patient's
immune
system against a target, e.g. a cancer. Immunization triggers an immune
response against the
target.
[0054] The term "vaccine" refers to a substance that elicits an immune
response and also
confers protective immunity upon a subject. The term "vaccine" also refers to
immunostimulants, i.e. agents that stimulate the immune system.
[0055] An "immune response" refers to the reaction of a subject to the
presence of an
antigen, which may include at least one of the following: making antibodies,
developing
immunity, developing hypersensitivity to the antigen, and developing
tolerance.
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[0056] The term "kill" with respect to a cell/cell population is directed to
include any type
of manipulation that will lead to the death of that cell/cell population.
[0057] "Antibodies" as used herein include polyclonal, monoclonal, single
chain, chimeric,
humanized and human antibodies, prepared according to conventional
methodology.
[0058] "Cytokine" is a generic term for non-antibody, soluble proteins which
are released
from one cell subpopulation and which act as intercellular mediators, for
example, in the
generation or regulation of an immune response. See Human Cytokines: Handbook
for Basic
& Clinical Research (Aggrawal, et al. eds., Blackwell Scientific, Boston,
Mass. 1991) (which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes).
[0059] "CXCR4/CXCL12 antagonist" refers to a compound that antagonizes CXCL12
binding to CXCR4 or otherwise reduces the fugetactic effect of CXCL12.
[0060] By "fugetactic activity" or "fugetactic effect" it is meant the ability
of an agent to
repel (or chemorepel) a eukaryotic cell with migratory capacity (i.e., a cell
that can move
away from a repellant stimulus), as well as the chemorepellant effect of a
chemokine secreted
by a cell, e.g. a tumor cell. Usually, the fugetactic effect is present in an
area around the cell
wherein the concentration of the chemokine is sufficient to provide the
fugetactic effect.
Some chemokines, including interleukin 8 and CXCL12, may exert fugetactic
activity at high
concentrations (e.g., over about 100 nM), whereas lower concentrations exhibit
no fugetactic
effect and may even be chemoattractant.
[0061] Accordingly, an agent with fugetactic activity is a "fugetactic agent."
Such activity
can be detected using any of a variety of systems well known in the art (see,
e.g., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,514,555 and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2008/0300165, each of which
is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). A preferred system for use
herein is
described in US Patent 6,448,054, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0062] The term "immune cells" as used herein are cells of hematopoietic
origin that are
involved in the specific recognition of antigens. Immune cells include antigen
presenting
cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells or macrophages, B cells, T cells, and
the like.
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[0063] The term "anti-fugetactic effect" refers to the effect of the anti-
fugetactic agent to
attenuate or eliminate the fugetactic effect of the chemokine.
[0064] The terms 'T cells" or 'T lymphocytes", as used herein, are a type of
lymphocyte,
i.e., a type of white blood cell, that plays a central role in cell-mediated
immunity, and can be
distinguished from other lymphocytes, such as B cells and natural killer cells
(NK cells), by
the presence of a T-cell receptor (TCR) on the cell surface. T cells or T
lymphocytes include
several subsets of T cells, each having a distinct function. The majority of
human T cells
rearrange their alpha/beta T cell receptors and are termed alpha beta T cells
and are part of
adaptive immune system. Specialized gamma delta T cells, which comprise a
minority of T
cells in the human body (more frequent in ruminants), have invariant TCR (with
limited
diversity), can effectively present antigens to other T cells and are
considered to be part of the
innate immune system.
[0065] The term "T cell receptor" or "TCR" is a complex of integral membrane
proteins
that participate in the activation of T-cells in response to an antigen.
Stimulation of TCR is
triggered by MHC (major histocompatibility complex) molecules on cells with
the antigen.
Engagement of the TCR initiates positive and negative cascades that ultimately
result in
cellular proliferation, differentiation, cytokine production, and/or
activation-induced cell
death. These signaling cascades regulate T-cell development, homeostasis,
activation,
acquisition of effector's functions and apoptosis.
[0066] The term "peripheral blood mononuclear cell" or " PBMC" is any blood
cell having a
round nucleus (as opposed to a lobed nucleus). For example: a lymphocyte, a
monocyte or a
macrophage. These blood cells are a critical component in the immune system to
fight
infection and adapt to intruders. The lymphocyte population consists of T
cells (CD4 and
CD8 positive ¨75%), B cells and NK cells (-25% combined).
[0067] The term "antigen-presenting cell" or "APC" or "accessory cell" is a
cell that
displays foreign antigens complexed with major histocompatibility complexes
(MHCs) on
their surfaces; this process is known as antigen presentation. T-cells may
recognize these
complexes using their T-cell receptors (TCRs). T cells cannot recognize, and
therefore cannot
respond to, 'free' antigen. T cells can only 'see' an antigen that has been
processed and
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presented by cells via carrier molecules like MHC and CD1 molecules. Most
cells in the body
can present antigen to CD8 T cells via MHC class I molecules and, thus, act as
"APCs";
however, the term is often limited to specialized cells that can prime T cells
(i.e., activate a T
cell that has not been exposed to antigen, termed a naive T cell). These
cells, in general,
express MHC class II as well as MHC class I molecules, and can stimulate CD4'
("helper") T
cells as well as CD8' ("cytotoxic") T cells, respectively. After APCs have
phagocytosed
pathogens, they usually migrate to the vast network of lymph vessels and are
carried by
lymph flow to the draining lymph nodes. Each lymph node is a collection point
where APCs
such as dendritic cells (DCs) can interact with T cells. They do this by
chemotaxis, which
involves interacting with chemokines that are expressed on the surface of
cells (e.g.,
endothelial cells of the high endothelial venules) or have been released as
chemical
messengers to draw the APCs to the lymph nodes. During the migration, DCs
undergo a
process of maturation: they lose most of their ability to further engulf
pathogens and they
develop an increased ability to communicate with T cells. Enzymes within the
cell digest the
swallowed pathogen into smaller pieces containing epitopes, which are then
presented to T
cells by the MHC.
[0068] The term "CD3" as used herein, also known as 'cluster of
differentiation 3' is a
protein complex and is composed of four distinct chains. In mammals, the
complex contains a
CD3y chain, a CD3 6 chain, and two CD3E chains. These chains associate with
the T-cell
receptor (TCR) and the -chain to generate an activation signal in T
lymphocytes. The TCR,
-chain, and CD3 molecules together comprise the TCR complex.
[0069] The term "PA2024" as used herein refers to prostatic acid phosphatase
(PAP), that is
linked to granulocyte¨macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to form
the fusion
protein PAP-GM-CSF.
[0070] The term "Sipuleucel-T" as used herein refers to the commercially
available product
known as PROVENGEO suspension for intravenous infusion) as described in the
Highlights
of Prescribing Information that is publically available from the U.S. Food and
Drug
Administration and incorporated herein in its entirety.
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[0071] The term "autologous" or "autologous cells" as used herein refers to
immune cells
obtained from, and then administered to the same patient.
[0072] The term "anti-cancer therapy" as used herein refers to known cancer
treatments,
including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as immunotherapy and vaccine
therapy.
Anti __ Fugetactic Agents
[0073] The anti-fugetactic agent may be any such agent known in the art. In
one
embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent is an anti-fugetactic agent as described
in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2008/0300165, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its
entirety. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent is AMD3100
(mozobil/plerixafor) or a derivative thereof, KRH-1636, T-20, T-22, T-140, TE-
14011, T-
14012, TN14003, TAK-779, AK602, SCH-351125, Tannic acid, NSC 651016,
thalidomide,
GF 109230X, an antibody that interferes with dimerization of a fugetactic
chemokine, or an
antibody that interferes with dimerization of the receptor for a fugetactic
chemokine. . For
example, the antibody may inhibit dimerization of CXCL12, IL-8, CXCR3, or
CXCR4. In
one embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent is an antibody that interferes with
binding of the
chemokine to its receptor. In an especially preferred embodiment, the anti-
fugetactic agent is
AMD3100.
[0074] In one embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent is an AMD3100 derivative.
AMD3100
derivatives include, but are not limited to, those found in U.S. Patent Nos.
7,935,692 and
5,583,131 (U5RE42152), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
[0075] Anti-fugetactic agents include any agents that specifically inhibit
chemokine and/or
chemokine receptor dimerization, thereby blocking the chemorepellent response
to a
fugetactic agent. Certain chemokines, including IL-8 and CXCL12 can also serve
as
chemorepellents at high concentrations (e.g., above 100 nM) where much of the
chemokine
exists as a dimer. Dimerization of the chemokine elicits a differential
response in cells,
causing dimerization of chemokine receptors, an activity which is interpreted
as a
chemorepellent signal. Blocking the chemorepellent effect of high
concentrations of a
chemokine secreted by a tumor can be accomplished, for example, by anti-
fugetactic agents
which inhibit chemokine dimer formation or chemokine receptor dimer formation.
For
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example, antibodies that target and block chemokine receptor dimerization, for
example, by
interfering with the dimerization domains or ligand binding can be anti-
fugetactic agents.
Anti-fugetactic agents that act via other mechanisms of action, e.g. that
reduce the amount of
fugetactic cytokine secreted by the cells, inhibit dimerization, and/or
inhibit binding of the
chemokine to a target receptor, are also encompassed by the present invention.
Where
desired, this effect can be achieved without inhibiting the chemotactic action
of monomeric
chemokine.
[0076] In other embodiments, the anti-fugetactic agent is a CXCR4 antagonist,
CXCR3
antagonist, CXCR4/CXCL12 antagonist or selective PKC inhibitor.
[0077] The CXCR4 antagonist can be but is not limited to AMD3100, KRH-1636, T-
20, T-
22, T-140, TE-14011, T-14012, or TN14003, an antibody to CXCR4, or an antibody
that
interferes with the dimerization of CXCR4. Additional CXCR4 antagonists are
described, for
example, in U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2014/0219952 and Debnath et al. Theranostics,
2013; 3(1):
47-75, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirely, and
include TG-0054
(burixafor), AMD3465, NIBR1816, AMD070, and derivatives thereof
[0078] The CXCR3 antagonist can be but is not limited to TAK-779, AK602, or
SCH-
351125, or an antibody that interferes with the dimerization of CXCR3.
[0079] The CXCR4/ CXCL12 antagonist can be but is not limited to Tannic acid,
NSC
651016, or an antibody that interferes with the dimerization of CXCR4 and/or
CXCL12.
[0080] The selective PKC inhibitor can be but is not limited to thalidomide or
GF
109230X.
[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent is AMD3100
(plerixafor).
AMD3100 is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,583,131, which is incorporated by
reference
herein in its entirety.
[0082] In one embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent is coupled with a molecule
that allows
targeting of a tumor or cancer. In one embodiment, the anti-fugetactic agent
is coupled with
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(e.g., bound to) an antibody specific for the tumor to be targeted. In one
embodiment, the
anti-fugetactic agent coupled to the molecule that allows targeting of the
tumor or cancer.
Modified Immune Cell Compositions
[0083] According to the present invention, a modified autologous PBMC
composition
having overall anti-fugetactic properties is prepared ex vivo by first
extracting or otherwise
isolating autologous immune cells, preferably PBMCs, from blood, bone marrow,
or other
immune cell-containing organs of a patient having a cancerous tumor or other
cancer,
according to methods known in the art, to provide an autologous PBMC
population. For
example, such methods include, but are not intended to be limited to apheresis
techniques,
specifically leukapheresis. Additionally, commercially available kits may be
utilized for the
extraction of immune cells, e.g. T-cells, such as with EasySepi'm Human T Cell
Isolation Kit
available from STEMCELL TM Technologies, Inc., British Columbia, CANDADA.
[0084] The autologous PBMC population is then treated with an anti-fugetactic
agent to
produce cells having overall anti-fugetactic properties for the effective and
efficient treatment
of tumors or cancers in said patient, particularly prostate cancer. As would
be understood by
one skilled in the art, the amount of the anti-fugetactic agent can be
determined as described
in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0300165, which is incorporated
herein by
reference in its entirety
[0085] The modified autologous PBMC composition can then be stored under
conditions
known in the art for blood products for the subsequent administration to the
patient from
which the autologous immune cells were derived. In one embodiment, the
modified
autologous PBMC population can be stored under conditions known in the art for
blood
products, and then contacted with the anti-fugetactic agent immediately prior
to
administration thereof to the patient. In another embodiment, the modified
autologous
PBMC population is contacted with the anti-fugetactic agent immediately prior
to
administration of the modified immune cell population or composition to the
patient
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Dose and Administration
[0086] The modified autologous PBMC composition, as described herein, is
administered
in vivo, to the patient from which the PBMCs were derived, in effective
amounts. The
effective amount will depend upon the mode of administration, the particular
condition being
treated and the desired outcome. It will also depend upon the stage of the
condition, the age
and physical condition of the subject, the nature of concurrent therapy, if
any, and like factors
well known to the medical practitioner. For therapeutic applications, it is
that amount
sufficient to achieve a medically desirable result.
[0087] Generally, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition of the
present
invention is from about 5 mg/kg body weight per day to about 50 mg/kg per day
of anti-
fugetactic agent, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween, including
endpoints. In one
embodiment, the dose is from about 10 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg per day. In one
embodiment, the dose is from about 10 mg/kg to about 40 mg/kg per day. In one
embodiment, the dose is from about 10 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg per day. In a
preferred
embodiment, the dose is from about 10 mg/kg to about 20 mg/kg per day. In one
embodiment, the dose does not exceed about 50 mg per day.
[0088] In one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition
is
from about 50 mg/kg per week to about 350 mg/kg per week of the anti-
fugetactic agent,
inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween, including endpoints. In one
embodiment, the
dose of the anti-fugetactic agent is about 50 mg/kg per week of the anti-
fugetactic agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
60 mg/kg
per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of modified
autologous
PBMC composition is about 70 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In
one
embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about 80
mg/kg per
week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of the modified
autologous
PBMC composition is about 90 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In
one
embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about 100
mg/kg per
week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of the modified
autologous
PBMC composition is about 110 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In
one
embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about 120
mg/kg
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per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of the
modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 130 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
140
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 150 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
160
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 170 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
180
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 190 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
200
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 210 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
220
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 230 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
240
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 250 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
260
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 270 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
280
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 290 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
300
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 310 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
320
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
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autologous PBMC composition is about 330 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent. In
one embodiment, the dose of the modified autologous PBMC composition is about
340
mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the dose of
the modified
autologous PBMC composition is about 350 mg/kg per week of the anti-fugetactic
agent.
[0089] In one aspect of the invention, administration of the modified
autologous PBMC
composition is pulsatile for a period of time sufficient to have an anti-
fugetactic effect (e.g. to
attenuate the fugetactic effect of the tumor cell).. In one embodiment, an
amount of modified
autologous PBMC composition is administered every 1 hour to every 24 hours,
for example
every 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9
hours, 10 hours,
11 hours, 12 hours, 13 hours, 14 hours 15 hours, 16 hours, 17 hours, 18 hours,
19 hours, 20
hours, 21 hours, 22 hours, 23 hours, or 24 hours. In one embodiment, an amount
of modified
autologous PBMC composition is administered every 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4
days, 5 days, 6
days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, or 10 days.
[0090] A variety of administration routes are available. The methods of the
invention,
generally speaking may be practiced using any mode of administration that is
medically
acceptable, meaning any mode that produces effective levels of the active
compounds
without causing clinically unacceptable adverse effects.
[0091] In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition is
administered
parenterally. In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition is
administered via microcatheter into a blood vessel proximal to a tumor. In one
embodiment,
the modified autologous PBMC composition is administered via microcatheter
into a blood
vessel within a tumor. In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC
composition is
administered subcutaneously. In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC
composition is administered intradermally.
[0092] In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition is
administered in
a continuous manner for a defined period. In another embodiment, modified
autologous
PBMC composition is administered in a pulsatile manner. For example, the
modified
autologous PBMC composition may be administered intermittently over a period
of time.
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[0093] In addition, important embodiments of the invention include pump-based
hardware
delivery systems, some of which are adapted for implantation. Such implantable
pumps
include controlled-release microchips. A preferred controlled-release
microchip is described
in Santini, J T Jr. et al., Nature, 1999, 397:335-338, the contents of which
are expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
[0094] It is to be appreciated that the treatment of tumors or cancers with an
effective
amount of a modified autologous PBMC composition according to the present for
a period of
time sufficient to attenuate the fugetactic effect of the chemokine restores
immune defenses
against tumors, and may also allow anti-cancer agents (e.g., chemotherapeutic
agents,
radiotherapeutic agents, immunotherapy agents, and the like) to better access
the tumor or
cancer in order to reduce or eradicate the tumor or cancer. Without being
bound by theory, it
is believed that co-administration of the modified autologous PBMC
compositions of the
present invention and anti-cancer agents as described herein will lead to a
synergistic
response in a patient with a tumor or cancer, such that the patient has a
better outcome than
with either therapy alone. Anti-cancer agents include, without limitation,
traditional cancer
therapies, e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or vaccine therapy.
[0095] The modified autologous PBMC composition can be administered in
combination
with at least one anti-cancer therapy/agent. "In combination" refers to any
combination,
including sequential or simultaneous administration. In one embodiment, the
anti-fugetactic
agent is administered separately from the anti-cancer therapy/agent. In one
embodiment, the
anti-fugetactic agent is administered in a single composition with the anti-
cancer agent(s).
[0096] The anti-cancer agent may be administered by any appropriate method.
Dosage,
treatment protocol, and routes of administration for anti-cancer agents,
including
chemotherapeutic agents, radiotherapeutic agents, immunotherapy agents, and
anti-cancer
vaccines, are known in the art and/or within the ability of a skilled
clinician to determine,
based on the type of treatment, type of cancer, etc.
[0097] In one aspect of the invention, the modified autologous PBMC
composition and the
anti-cancer agent(s) are administered sequentially. That is, the modified
autologous PBMC
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composition is administered for a period of time sufficient to have an anti-
fugetactic effect,
and the anti-cancer agent is subsequently administered.
[0098] In one aspect of the invention, the anti-cancer agent is administered
after the period
of time of administration of modified autologous PBMC composition. In one
embodiment,
the anti-cancer agent is administered during a period of time wherein the
fugetactic effect of
the cancer cells/tumor is attenuated by the modified autologous PBMC
composition. The
length of time and modes of administration of the anti-cancer agent will vary,
depending on
the anti-cancer agent used, type of tumor being treated, condition of the
patient, and the like.
Determination of such parameters is within the capability of the skilled
clinician.
[0099] In one embodiment, administration of the modified autologous PBMC
composition
and the anti-cancer agent is alternated. In a preferred embodiment,
administration of the
modified autologous PBMC composition and the anti-cancer agent is alternated
until the
condition of the patient improves. Improvement includes, without limitation,
reduction in size
of the tumor and/or metastases thereof, elimination of the tumor and/or
metastases thereof,
remission of the cancer, and/or attenuation of at least one symptom of the
cancer.
[0100] In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition and/or anti-
cancer
agent is administered intravenously, subcutaneously, orally, or
intraperitoneally. In a
preferred embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition is administered
proximal
to (e.g., near or within the same body cavity as) the tumor. In one
embodiment, the modified
autologous PBMC composition is administered directly into the tumor or into a
blood vessel
feeding the tumor. In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition
is
administered systemically. In a further embodiment, the modified autologous
PBMC
composition is administered by microcatheter, or an implanted device, and an
implanted
dosage form.
[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition and
anti-
cancer agent(s) are administered sequentially. For example, the modified
autologous PBMC
composition may be administered for a period of time sufficient to reduce or
attenuate the
fugetactic effect of the tumor, e.g. such that the modified autologous PBMC
composition has
an anti-fugetactic effect; the anti-cancer agent can then be administered for
a period of time
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during which the fugetactic effect of the tumor is reduced or attenuated. In
one embodiment,
the modified autologous PBMC composition and anti-cancer agent are
administered
sequentially in an alternating manner at least until the condition of the
patient improves.
Improvement of the condition of the patient includes, without limitation,
reduction in tumor
size, a reduction in at least one symptom of the cancer, elimination of the
tumor and/or
metastases thereof, increased survival of the patient, and the like.
[0102] In one embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition and/or the
at least
one additional anti-cancer agent are administered directly to the tumor site.
In one
embodiment, the modified autologous PBMC composition and/or the at least one
additional
anti-cancer agent are administered by direct injection into the tumor. In one
embodiment, the
modified autologous PBMC composition and/or the at least one additional anti-
cancer agent
are administered proximal to the tumor site. In a preferred embodiment, the
modified
autologous PBMC composition and/or the at least one additional anti-cancer
agent are
administered directly into a blood vessel associated with the tumor (e.g., via
microcatheter
injection into the blood vessels in, near, or feeding into the tumor).
Chemotherapy Agents
[0103] In one aspect of the present invention, a modified autologous PBMC
composition is
administered in combination with a chemotherapy agent. The chemotherapy agent
may be
any agent having a therapeutic effect on one or more types of cancer. Many
chemotherapy
agents are currently known in the art. Types of chemotherapy drugs include, by
way of non-
limiting example, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anti-tumor antibiotics,
totpoisomerase
inhibitors, mitotic inhibitors, corticosteroids, and the like.
[0104] Non-limiting examples of chemotherapy drugs include: nitrogen mustards,
such as
mechlorethamine (nitrogen mustard), chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan0),
ifosfamide, and melphalan); Nitrosoureas, such as streptozocin, carmustine
(BCNU), and
lomustine; alkyl sulfonates, such as busulfan; Triazines, such as dacarbazine
(DTIC) and
temozolomide (Temodar0); ethylenimines, such as thiotepa and altretamine
(hexamethylmelamine); platinum drugs, such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and
oxalaplatin; 5-
fluorouracil (5-FU); 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP); Capecitabine (Xeloda0);
Cytarabine (Ara-
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CC)); Floxuridine; Fludarabine; Gemcitabine (Gemzar0); Hydroxyurea;
Methotrexate;
Pemetrexed (Alimta0); anthracyclines,such as Daunorubicin, Doxorubicin
(Adriamycin0),
Epirubicin, Idarubicin; Actinomycin-D; Bleomycin; Mitomycin-C; Mitoxantrone;
Topotecan;
Irinotecan (CPT-11); Etoposide (VP-16); Teniposide; Mitoxantrone; Taxanes:
paclitaxel
(Taxo10) and docetaxel (Taxotere0); Epothilones: ixabepilone (Ixempra0); Vinca
alkaloids:
vinblastine (Velban0), vincristine (Oncovin0), and vinorelbine (Navelbine0);
Estramustine
(Emcyt0); Prednisone; Methylprednisolone (Solumedro10); Dexamethasone
(Decadron0);
L-asparaginase; bortezomib (Velcade0). Additional chemotherapy agents are
listed, for
example, in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2008/0300165, which is
incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0105] Doses and administration protocols for chemotherapy drugs are well-
known in the
art. The skilled clinician can readily determine the proper dosing regimen to
be used, based
on factors including the chemotherapy agent(s) administered, type of cancer
being treated,
stage of the cancer, age and condition of the patient, patient size, location
of the tumor, and
the like.
Radiotherapy Agents
[0106] In one aspect of the present invention, a modified autologous PBMC
composition is
administered in combination with a radiotherapeutic agent. The
radiotherapeutic agent may
be any such agent having a therapeutic effect on one or more types of cancer.
Many
radiotherapeutic agents are currently known in the art. Types of
radiotherapeutic drugs
include, by way of non-limiting example, X-rays, gamma rays, and charged
particles. In one
embodiment, the radiotherapeutic agent is delivered by a machine outside of
the body
(external-beam radiation therapy). In a preferred embodiment, the
radiotherapeutic agent is
placed in the body near the tumor/cancer cells (brachytherapy) or is a
systemic radiation
therapy.
[0107] External-beam radiation therapy may be administered by any means. Non-
limiting
examples of external-beam radiation therapy include linear accelerator-
administered radiation
therapy, 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT), intensity-
modulated radiation
therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), tomotherapy,
stereotactic
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radiosurgery, photon therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, proton beam
therapy, and
electron beam therapy.
[0108] Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) may be by any technique or
agent. Non-
limiting examples of internal radiation therapy include any radioactive agents
that can be
placed proximal to or within the tumor, such as Radium-226 (Ra-226), Cobalt-60
(Co-60),
Cesium-137 (Cs-137), cesium-131, Iridium-192 (Ir-192), Gold-198 (Au-198),
Iodine-125 (I-
125), palladium-103, yttrium-90, etc. Such agents may be administered by
seeds, needles, or
any other route of administration, and my be temporary or permanent.
[0109] Systemic radiation therapy may be by any technique or agent. Non-
limiting
examples of systemic radiation therapy include radioactive iodine, ibritumomab
titmetan
(Zevalin0), tositumomab and iodine 1131 tositumomab (Bexxar0), samarium-153-
lexidronam (Quadramet0), strontium-89 chloride (Metastron0),
metaiodobenzylguanidine,
lutetium-177, yttrium-90, strontium-89, and the like.
[0110] In one embodiment, a radiosensitizing agent is also administered to the
patient.
Radiosensitizing agents increase the damaging effect of radiation on cancer
cells.
[0111] Doses and administration protocols for radiotherapy agents are well-
known in the
art. The skilled clinician can readily determine the proper dosing regimen to
be used, based
on factors including the agent(s) administered, type of cancer being treated,
stage of the
cancer, location of the tumor, age and condition of the patient, patient size,
and the like.
Immunotherapy Agents
[0112] In one aspect of the present invention, a modified immune cell
composition and/or
unbound anti-fugetactic agent is administered in combination with an
additional
immunotherapy agent.
Cellular Therapy
[0113] NK cells or T cells may be administered in combination with the
compositions
described herein. Generally, such T cells are modified and/or undergo adoptive
cell transfer
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(ACT). ACT and variants thereof are well known in the art. See, for example,
U.S. Patent
Nos. 8,383,099 and 8,034,334, which are incorporated herein by reference in
their entireties.
[0114] U.S. Patent App. Pub. Nos. 2014/0065096 and 2012/0321666, incorporated
herein
by reference in their entireties, describe methods and compositions for T cell
or NK cell
treatment of cancer. T cells can be activated and expanded generally using
methods as
described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,352,694; 6,534,055; 6,905,680;
6,692,964;
5,858,358; 6,887,466; 6,905,681; 7,144,575; 7,067,318; 7,172,869; 7,232,566;
7,175,843;
5,883,223; 6,905,874; 6,797,514; 6,867,041; and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No.
2006/0121005, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0115] In one embodiment, the NK cells or T cells used in the compositions and
methods
herein are autologous (i.e., derived from the patient). In one embodiment, the
NK cells or T
cells used in the compositions and methods herein are non-autologous
(heterologous; e.g.
from a donor or cell line). In one embodiment, the NK cells or T cells are a
cell line derived
from NK cells or T cell(s) or cancerous/transformed NK cells or T cell(s).
[0116] In one embodiment, the NK cell or T cell used in the methods and
compositions
described herein is genetically modified. In one embodiment, the cell is
modified to express a
CAR on the surface of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the CAR is specific
for the cancer
being targeted by the method or composition. In one embodiment, the cell is
modified to
express a cell surface protein or cytokine. Non-limiting examples of modified
T cells are
described in U.S. Patent No. 8,906,682; PCT Patent Pub. Nos. WO 2013154760 and
WO
2014055668; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0117] Non-limiting examples of modified NK cells can be found, for example,
in Glienke,
et al. 2015, Advantages and applications of CAR-expressing natural killer
cells, Frontiers in
Pharmacol. 6, article 21; PCT Patent Pub. Nos. WO 2013154760 and WO
2014055668; each
of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0118] In some embodiments, the NK cells are an NK cell line. NK cell lines
include,
without limitation, NK-92, NK-YS, KHYG-1, NKL, NKG, SNK-6, and IMC-1. See,
Klingemann et al. Front Immunol. 2016; 7: 91, which is incorporated herein by
reference in
its entirety. Non-limiting examples of modified NK-92 cells are described, for
example, in
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U.S. Patent Nos. 7,618,817 and 8,034,332; and U.S. Patent Pub. Nos.
2002/0068044 and
2008/0247990, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. Examples of
modified NK-92 cells are available from ATCC as ATCC CRL-2408, ATCC CRL-2409,
PTA-6670, PTA-6967, PTA-8837, and PTA-8836. Non-limiting examples of CAR-
modified
NK-92 cells can be found, for example, in Glienke, et al. 2015, Advantages and
applications
of CAR-expressing natural killer cells, Frontiers in Pharmacol. 6, article 21;
which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0119] In one embodiment, the T cell is a T cell line. Non-limiting examples
of T cell lines
include T-ALL cell lines, as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,272,082, which is
incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
Antibodies
[0120] Immunotherapy also refers to treatment with anti-tumor antibodies. That
is,
antibodies specific for a particular type of cancer (e.g., a cell surface
protein expressed by the
target cancer cells) can be administered to a patient having cancer. The
antibodies may be
monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, chimeric antibodies, antibody
fragments,
human antibodies, humanized antibodies, or non-human antibodies (e.g. murine,
goat,
primate, etc.). The therapeutic antibody may be specific for any tumor-
specific or tumor-
associated antigen. See, e.g. Scott et al., Cancer Immunity 2012, 12:14, which
is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0121] In one embodiment, the immunotherapy agent is an anti-cancer antibody.
Non-
limiting examples include trastuzumab (Herceptin0), bevacizumab (Avastin0),
cettiximab
(Erbitux0), panitumumab (Vectibix0), ipilimumab (Yeryoy0), ritilximab
(Rituxan0),
alemtuzumab (Campath0), ofatumumab (Arzerra0), gemtuzumab ozogamicin
(Mylotarg0),
brentircimab vedotin (Adcetris0), "Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin0), and 1-31-
I-
tositumomab (Bexxar0).
Additional antibodies are provided in Table 1.
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Table 1. Anti-cancer antibodies
Proprietary Trade name Target; Format Indication first
name approved or
reviewed
Necitumumab (Pending) EGFR; Human Non-small cell
IgG1 lung cancer
Nivolumab Opdivo PD1; Human IgG4 Melanoma
Dinutuximab (Pending) GD2; Chimeric Neuroblastoma
IgG1
Blinatumomab Blincyto CD19, CD3; Acute
Murine bispecific lymphoblastic
tandem scFv leukemia
Pembrolizumab Keytruda PD1; Humanized Melanoma
IgG4
Ramucirumab Cyramza VEGFR2; Human Gastric cancer
IgG1
Obinutuzumab Gazyva CD20; Humanized Chronic
IgGl; lymphocytic
Glycoengineered leukemia
Ado-trastuzumab Kadcyla HER2; humanized Breast cancer
emtansine IgGl;
immunoconjugate
Pertuzumab Perj eta HER2; humanized Breast Cancer
IgG1
Brentuximab Adcetris CD30; Chimeric Hodgkin
vedotin IgGl; lymphoma,
immunoconjugate systemic
anaplastic large
cell lymphoma
Ipilimumab Yervoy CTLA-4; Human Metastatic
IgG1 melanoma
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Proprietary Trade name Target; Format Indication first
name approved or
reviewed
Ofatumumab Arzerra CD20; Human Chronic
IgG1 lymphocytic
leukemia
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
[0122] In one embodiment, the immunotherapy agent is a checkpoint inhibitor.
Immune
checkpoint proteins are made by some types of immune system cells, such as T
cells, and
some cancer cells. These proteins, which can prevent T cells from killing
cancer cells, are
targeted by checkpoint inhibitors. Checkpoint inhibitors increase the T cells'
ability to kill the
cancer cells. Examples of checkpoint proteins found on T cells or cancer cells
include PD-
1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4/B7-1/B7-2.
[0123] In one embodiment, the checkpoint inhibitor is an antibody to a
checkpoint protein,
e.g., PD-1, PDL-1, or CTLA-4. Checkpoint inhibitor antibodies include, without
limitation,
BMS-936559, MPDL3280A, MedI-4736, Lambrolizumab, Alemtuzumab, Atezolizumab,
Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Ofatumumab, Pembrolizumab, and Rituximab.
Cytokines
[0124] In one embodiment, the immunotherapy agent is a cytokine. Cytokines
stimulate the
patient's immune response. Cytokines include interferons and interleukins. In
one
embodiment, the cytokine is interleukin-2. In one embodiment, the cytokine is
interferon-
alpha.
Anti-Cancer Vaccines
[0125] In one aspect of the present invention, a modified autologous PBMC
composition is
administered in combination with an anti-cancer vaccine (also called cancer
vaccine). Anti-
cancer vaccines are vaccines that either treat existing cancer or prevent
development of a
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cancer by stimulating an immune reaction to kill the cancer cells. In a
preferred embodiment,
the anti-cancer vaccine treats existing cancer.
[0126] The anti-cancer vaccine may be any such vaccine having a therapeutic
effect on one
or more types of cancer. Many anti-cancer vaccines are currently known in the
art. Such
vaccines include, without limitation, dasiprotimut-T, Sipuleucel-T, talimogene
laherparepvec,
HSPPC-96 complex (Vitespen), L-BLP25, gp100 melanoma vaccine, and any other
vaccine
that stimulates an immune response to cancer cells when administered to a
patient.
Cancers
[0127] Cancers or tumors that can be treated with the modified autologous PBMC
compositions and methods described herein include, but are not limited to:
biliary tract
cancer; brain cancer, including glioblastomas and medulloblastomas; breast
cancer; cervical
cancer; choriocarcinoma; colon cancer; endometrial cancer; esophageal cancer,
gastric
cancer; hematological neoplasms, including acute lymphocytic and myelogenous
leukemia;
multiple myeloma; AIDS associated leukemias and adult T-cell leukemia
lymphoma;
intraepithelial neoplasms, including Bowen's disease and Paget's disease;
liver cancer
(hepatocarcinoma); lung cancer; lymphomas, including Hodgkin's disease and
lymphocytic
lymphomas; neuroblastomas; oral cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma;
ovarian
cancer, including those arising from epithelial cells, stromal cells, germ
cells and
mesenchymal cells; pancreas cancer; prostate cancer; rectal cancer; sarcomas,
including
leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, fibrosarcoma and osteosarcoma;
skin
cancer, including melanoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, basocellular cancer and squamous
cell
cancer; testicular cancer, including germinal tumors (seminoma, non-
seminoma[teratomas,
choriocarcinomas]), stromal tumors and germ cell tumors; thyroid cancer,
including thyroid
adenocarcinoma and medullar carcinoma; and renal cancer including
adenocarcinoma and
Wilms tumor. In important embodiments, cancers or tumors escaping immune
recognition
include glioma, colon carcinoma, colorectal cancer, lymphoid cell-derived
leukemia,
choriocarcinoma, and melanoma.
[0128] In a preferred embodiment, the tumor is a solid tumor. In one
embodiment, the
tumor is a leukemia. In an especially preferred embodiment, the tumor over-
expresses
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CXCL12. In one embodiment, tumor expression of CXCL12 can be evaluated prior
to
administration of a composition as described herein. For example, a patient
having a tumor
that is determined to express or over-express CXCL12 will be treated using a
method and/or
composition as described herein.
[0129] In one embodiment, the tumor is a brain tumor. It is contemplated that
a brain
tumor, e.g., an inoperable brain tumor, can be injected with a composition
described herein.
In one embodiment, an anti-fugetactic agent is administered directly to a
brain tumor via a
catheter into a blood vessel within or proximal to the brain tumor. Further
discussion of
catheter or microcatheter administration is described below.
Pharmaceutical Compositions
[0130] The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions
comprising an
effective amount of the modified autologous PBMC compositions of the present
invention
and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. For preparing
pharmaceutical
compositions containing modified autologous PBMC compositions of the present
invention,
inert and pharmaceutically acceptable excipients or carriers are used. Liquid
pharmaceutical
compositions include, for example, solutions, suspensions, and emulsions
suitable for
intradermal, subcutaneous, parenteral, or intravenous administration. Sterile
water solutions
of the modified autologous PBMC compositions or sterile solutions of the
modified
autologous PBMC compositions in solvents comprising water, buffered water,
saline, PBS,
ethanol, or propylene glycol are examples of liquid compositions suitable for
parenteral
administration. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable
auxiliary
substances as required to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH
adjusting and
buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, wetting agents, detergents, and
the like.
[0131] The pharmaceutical compositions containing modified autologous PBMC
compositions can be administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic
treatments. In
therapeutic applications, compositions are administered to a patient already
suffering from a
condition that may be exacerbated by the proliferation of tumor or cancer
cells in an amount
sufficient to prevent, cure, reverse, or at least partially slow or arrest the
symptoms of the
condition and its complications. An amount adequate to accomplish this is
defined as a
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"therapeutically effective dose." Amounts effective for this use will depend
on the severity of
the disease or condition and the weight and general state of the patient, but
generally range
from about 1 mu.g to about 10 mg of the PAP peptide or fusion peptide biweekly
for a 70 kg
patient, with dosages of from about 50 mu.g to about 1 mg of the peptide
biweekly for a 70
kg patient being more commonly used. The appropriate dose may be administered
in weekly,
biweekly, or monthly intervals. Single or multiple administrations of the
compositions can be
carried out with dose levels and pattern being selected by the treating
physician. In any event,
the pharmaceutical formulations should provide a quantity of the modified
autologous PBMC
compositions of this invention sufficient to provide the desired anti-
fugetactic properties
when administered to the patient, and to effectively inhibit tumor cell
proliferation in the
patient for therapeutic purposes.
[0132] Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are suitable for use in a
variety of
drug delivery systems. Suitable formulations for use in the present invention
are found in
Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Philadelphia,
Pa., 17th ed.
(1985). For a brief review of methods for drug delivery, see, Langer, Science
249: 1527-1533
(1990). The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be
administered by
various routes, e.g., subcutaneous, intradermal, transdermal, intramuscular,
intravenous, or
intraperitoneal.
Methods ofMaking Modified Immune Cells
[0133] In one aspect of this invention is provided a method for making
modified immune
cells as described herein.
[0134] In one embodiment, the method for making an immune cell composition
comprises:
a) providing an immune cell composition;
b) incubating the immune cells with a fusion protein comprising a tumor
antigen
portion and an immune signaling factor portion for a period of time sufficient
for the immune
cells to become responsive to the tumor antigen; and
c) contacting the immune cells with an anti-fugetactic agent.
[0135] In one embodiment, the method for making an immune cell composition
comprises:
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a) providing an immune cell composition which is responsive to a tumor
antigen;
and
b) contacting the immune cells with an anti-fugetactic agent.
[0136] In one embodiment, the step of providing the immune cell composition
includes
removing immune cells from a patient having cancer.
[0137] In one embodiment, the immune cell composition had been made responsive
to the
tumor antigen (e.g., activated) by incubating the immune cells with a fusion
protein
comprising a tumor antigen portion and an immune signaling factor portion for
a period of
time sufficient for the immune cells to become responsive to the tumor
antigen. In one
embodiment, incubation occurs ex vivo/in vitro. In one embodiment, incubation
occurred in
the patient (in vivo) prior to extraction of the immune cells from the
patient.
Methods of Treatment
[0138] In one aspect of this invention is provided a method for treating
cancer in a patient
in need thereof by administration of a modified PBMC composition. In a
preferred
embodiment, the modified PBMC composition is administered in combination with
at least
one additional anti-cancer agent.
[0139] In one aspect, this invention relates to inhibition of metastasis of a
tumor in a patient
in need thereof by administration of a modified PBMC composition. Without
being bound be
theory, it is believed that the modified PBMC compositions as described herein
can mobilize
cancer cells out of niches where they are otherwise inaccessible to treatments
and/or immune
cells, and into the circulation where the cells can be targeted by anti-cancer
agents and/or
immune cells. Surprisingly, such mobilization does not lead to increased
metastasis of the
tumor, but rather decreases metastasis.
[0140] In one aspect, this invention relates to a method for killing a cancer
cell expressing
an amount of a chemokine sufficient to produce a fugetactic effect, which
method comprises:
a) periodically contacting said cell with an effective amount of a
modified
autologous PBMC composition for a sufficient period of time so as to attenuate
said
fugetactic effect;
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b) contacting said cell with at least one anti-cancer agent; and
c) optionally repeating a) and b) as necessary to kill said cell.
[0141] In one aspect, this invention relates to a method for treating a tumor
in a mammal,
said tumor expressing an amount of a chemokine sufficient to produce a
fugetactic effect,
which method comprises:
a) periodically administering to said mammal an effective amount of a
modified
autologous PBMC composition for a sufficient period of time so as to attenuate
said
fugetactic effect;
b) administering to said mammal at least one anti-cancer agent; and
c) optionally repeating a) and b) as necessary to provide an improvement in
the
condition of the mammal.
[0142] In one embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is administered after the
period of time of
administration of the modified immune cell composition. In one embodiment, the
anti-cancer
agent is administered during a period of time when the fugetactic effect is
attenuated.
[0143] In one embodiment, the chemokine is CXCL12. In one embodiment, the
cancer cell
is a solid tumor cell. In one embodiment, the cancer cell is a leukemia cell.
In one
embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is administered within about 3 days of
completion of
contacting the cell with the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the
anti-cancer agent is
administered within about 1 day of completion of contacting the cell with the
anti-fugetactic
agent.
[0144] In one aspect, this invention relates to a method for treating a solid
tumor in a
mammal which tumor expresses CXCL12 at a concentration sufficient to produce a
fugetactic
effect, the method comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount
of modified
immune cell composition for a sufficient period of time so as to inhibit said
fugetactic effect,
followed by administering to said mammal at least one anti-cancer agent. In
one embodiment,
the cancer cell is a solid tumor cell. In one embodiment, the cancer cell is a
leukemia cell. In
one embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is administered within about 3 days of
completion of
administration of the anti-fugetactic agent. In one embodiment, the anti-
cancer agent is
administered within about 1 day of completion of administration of the anti-
fugetactic agent.
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[0145] In one aspect, this invention relates to solid tumor cell expressing a
chemokine,
which cell has been contacted with a modified autologous PBMC composition and
a
chemotherapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the chemokine is CXCL12. In one
embodiment,
the cancer cell is a solid tumor cell. In one embodiment, the cancer cell is a
leukemia cell.
[0146] In one aspect, this invention relates to a method to locally treat a
solid tumor
expressing CXCL12 at a concentration sufficient to produce a fugetactic effect
in a patient,
which method comprises:
a) identifying an artery or microartery feeding said tumor;
b) intra-arterially placing a catheter or microcatheter in said artery or
microartery
proximal to the flow of blood into said tumor wherein said catheter or
microcatheter
comprising a lumen for delivering a fluid there through and means for
delivering said fluid;
c) periodically administering an effective amount of the modified immune
cell
composition through said catheter or said microcatheter to the artery or
microartery feeding
said tumor so as to inhibit said fugetactic effect fugetaxis induced by said
tumor; and
d) subsequently administering an effective amount of the anti-cancer agent
to the
patient.
[0147] In one embodiment, the tumor is a brain tumor.
[0148] In one embodiment, the anti-cancer agent is administered using a
catheter, a
microcatheter, an external radiation source, or is injected or implanted
proximal to or within
the tumor. In one embodiment, the method further comprises repeating steps a,
b, c, and/or d
until the patient's condition improves. In one embodiment, the anti-cancer
agent is a
radiotherapeutic agent, such that the radiotherapeutic agent causes ablation
of at least one
blood vessel feeding said tumor.
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EXAMPLES
[0149] The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should
not be
interpreted as limitations of the claimed invention. There are a variety of
alternative
techniques and procedures available to those of skill in the art which would
similarly permit
one to successfully perform the intended invention.
Example 1: Determination of the Anti-fugetactic versus Fugetactic Amount of
AMD3100
[0150] Freshly prepared and purified human CD3+ T cells were prepared from
healthy
donor peripheral blood. 20,000 T cells were loaded into the upper chamber of
the Transwell
io in control, chemotactic or fugetactic settings with AMD3100 at
concentrations between 0.1
[tM and 10 [1.M. Migrated cells were counted in the lower chamber and
migration quantitated
as previously described. Vianello et al. The Journal of Immunology, 2006, 176:
2902-2914;
Righi et al., Cancer Res.; 71(16); 5522-34, each of which is incorporated
herein in its
entirety.
[0151] We saw clear evidence of binary or bimodal chemotactic (Figure 1; CI
2.3 at 1 [tM)
and fugetactic (Figure 2; CI = 1.6 at 0.1 [tM) responses of human CD3+ T cells
to AMD3100
(where a CI or chemotactic index of 1.0 is the control). All wells were run in
triplicate.
Example 2: Determination of the Local Anti-fugetactic Amount of AMD3100
[0152] For quantitative transmigration assays, purified human CD3+ T cells
(approximately
2 x 104 cells) are added to the upper chamber of a Transwell insert in each
well, to a total
volume of 150 ill of Iscove's modified medium. Tumor cells isolated from a
mammalian
tumor in DMEM containing 0.5% FCS, are added in the lower, upper, or both
lower and
upper chambers of the Transwell to generate a standard "checkerboard" analysis
of cell
migration, including measurements of chemotaxis, fugetaxis, and chemokinesis.
[0153] To determine the anti-fugetactic concentration of AMD3100, the T cells
are
incubated with 0.01 [tM to 10 mM AMD3100 prior to addition to the chamber.
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[0154] Cells are harvested from the lower chamber after 3 h, and cell counts
are performed
using a hemocytometer.
[0155] It is expected that T cells that are pre-incubated with a concentration
of AMD3100
will exhibit a bimodal effect, with anti-fugetactic effects observed at lower
concentrations
and fugetactic effects at higher concentrations.
Example 3: Treatment of prostate cancer with Sipuleucel-T and an fugetactic
agent
[0156] Antigen presenting cells (APC) are isolated from a 65 year old patient
with prostate
cancer, exposed to PAP antigen and matured with GM-CSF. The APC are
administered to
the patient. After a period of time, the APC stimulate a specific T-cell
response against PAP
antigen. When the T-cell response is detected, a population of PBMCs are
obtained from the
patient's blood, mixed and incubated with AMD3100. The patient receives 1.6 x
10 7
modified cells/AMD3100 composition via direct infusion into the tumor.
Alternatively, the
cells and AMD310 can be administered separately and substantially
simultaneously. It is
contemplated that treatment with the modified cells and AMD3100 will have a
synergistic
effect, such that the co-treatment results in decrease prostate cancer
progression.
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